{"id":60,"date":"2026-09-16T18:12:59","date_gmt":"2026-09-16T18:12:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cvm.ncsu.edu\/comparative-behavioral-research\/?page_id=60"},"modified":"2026-09-25T18:17:36","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T18:17:36","slug":"get-involved","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cvm.ncsu.edu\/comparative-behavioral-research\/get-involved\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Involved"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n
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Our study participants are canine and feline companion animals, residing in the Triangle area, who come visit us for a day of games, treats, and fun! We welcome all breeds, ages, and sizes of companions to participate in our studies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read on to learn about upcoming events, currently recruiting studies, and ways to get involved with the Thinking Pets Program!<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n

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\n If your furry friend is not eligible for any current studies, complete our enrollment form to be notified of future studies they may qualify for!<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/a>\n \n\n <\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n \n\n\n

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Current Paw-ticipation opportunities<\/strong><\/h2>\n <\/div>\n
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From Pain to Healing: Studying Behavior to Improve Outcomes<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

The Comparative Behavioral Research Laboratory is recruiting for a new study!<\/strong><\/strong>

NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, in collaboration with Duke University, is conducting a groundbreaking study to understand how osteoarthritis (OA) affects dogs\u2019 emotions and thinking skills. We are recruiting dogs to participate!
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Learn more and proceed to enrollment<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/a>\n\n\n\n \n

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Targeting Frailty To Improve Healthspan and Well-Being<\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Our colleagues with the Canine Neuroaging Program are recruiting for a new clinical study!<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>

Is your dog 10+ and showing their age? Have you noticed that your dog is playing less, experiencing weight loss or muscle loss, or has difficulty walking?

If so, then your dog may be eligible to participate in a longitudinal study that tracks how frailty in senior dogs changes over time!<\/p>\n\t \t \n

Learn more and proceed to enrollment<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/a>\n\n\n\n \n

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Longitudinal Study of Neuroaging <\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n \n\n \n\t \t

Our colleagues with the Canine Neuroaging Program are recruiting for a new clinical study!<\/strong><\/strong>

Is your dog 10+ and showing their age? Have you noticed changes in their movement, cognition, or physique?

If so, then your dog may be eligible to participate in a longitudinal study that aims to improve our understanding how the nervous system ages!<\/p>\n\t \t \n

Learn more and proceed to enrollment<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n\n <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Thinking Pets Den<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Dog<\/figure>\n\n\n
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Interested in furthering scientific discovery?<\/strong><\/strong> We welcome dogs and cats of all breeds, ages, and sizes to participate in our studies. <\/strong><\/p>

By enrolling in the Thinking Pets Den you’ll be alerted by email of open recruitment for our studies! <\/p>

If you would like to enroll multiple pets, please complete one form for each pet.<\/p>\n <\/blockquote>\n\n\n

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\n \n Dog Enrollment Form<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n\n
\n \n Cat Enrollment Form<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/svg><\/span>\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n \n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n
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How do I know if my dog or cat is eligible to participate in The Thinking Pets Program?<\/h2>\n <\/summary>\n

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All dogs and cats that participate in the program must have a current rabies vaccination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proof of vaccination is required for participation.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n <\/details>\n\n\n

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What are the benefits of my pet participating in The Thinking Pets Program?<\/h2>\n <\/summary>\n

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Pets that participate with our program get to enjoy a fun day of enrichment, treats, and toys. In some studies, free veterinary services are included as part of your pet’s participation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

More information on the benefits of each individual study will be noted in the recruitment process.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n <\/details>\n\n\n

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Where is The Thinking Pets Program located?<\/h2>\n <\/summary>\n

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Directions can be found here: Maps- Veterinary Health and Wellness Center<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are located in the Veterinary Health and Wellness Center at NC State College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in Raleigh, NC.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n <\/details>\n\n\n

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What is the contact information for The Thinking Pets Program?<\/h2>\n <\/summary>\n

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The Thinking Pets Program can be reached by email at <\/strong><\/em>cvm_thinkingpets@ncsu.edu<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n <\/p>\n <\/details>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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